Pediatric Hernia – How to Prevent This Condition?

Pediatric hernia is a protrusion of tissues and organs through an abnormal opening in the muscle wall caused by various in nature factors. Most underlying causes for pediatric hernia are congenital; babies are born with different types of hernias like abdominal, hiatal, inguinal and others mostly due to prematurity and underdeveloped muscle walls.

Very few pediatric hernias are preventable and severe cases require immediate surgery to prevent life threatening condition like organ strangulation due to blood flow restriction. Mild cases of umbilical hernias do not require surgery and heal on their own before a child reaches 4 years old.

If your child has been diagnosed with any type of pediatric hernia, measures should be taken to reduce straining like coughing, crying or constipation. Make sure your child is consuming enough liquids, fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains to establish soft stools and reduce straining.

In case if a hiatus pediatric hernia, your child will most likely have some degree of acid indigestion due to stomach acids being pushed back into the esophagus. It creates unpleasant burning sensation in the throat and can make your child very uncomfortable. Make sure to offer your child smaller meals throughout the day to ensure proper digestion and reduce chances of acid indigestion. There are certain acid reflux foods to avoid in case of a hiatus pediatric hernia like citrus fruits and juices, tomato based sauces, high fat dressings and spicy dishes. The best hiatus hernia diet for your child will include plenty of fresh or steamed vegetables, whole grains, lean cuts of meat and water.

While some pediatric hernias heal without medical intervention once your child’s muscles grow stronger with age, a few serious cases of congenital hernias require surgery to close the opening in the abdominal wall. All cases of pediatric hernias require close observation to make sure they do not change in size or color that might signal a medical emergency.

Disclaimer

The information provided herein is intended for a general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or a treatment for specific medical conditions. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. Always consult with your doctor or other professional healthcare provider for a medical advice.